Modular medical pressure transducer

ABSTRACT

A medical pressure transducer includes a reusable component with channels to either side of a reusable diaphragm, and a disposable dome with mounting wings to either side of a disposable diaphragm and slidably receivable in the channels to mount the dome with the diaphragms in confronting relationship. Camming ramps are provided in the channels and on the wings by which to drive the dome diaphragm into the reusable diaphragm. Where the channels are defined behind outer front walls, the outer surface of one is provided with a tab-receiving slot to receive a locking tab associated with dome to lock diaphragms into confronting relationship. The dome includes second wings spaced from the mounting wings to receive the outer front walls. The second wings have finger gripping portions one of which is a locking paddle supporting the lock tab. In alternative embodiments, the dome wings are edges, fixed or resilient, receivable through slots formed in the reusable component.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/407,903, filed Mar. 21, 1995, entitled Modular InterconnectingComponent Support Plate now abandoned, which is a divisional ofapplication Ser. No. 08/085,352, filed Jun. 30, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No.5,417,395. The disclosures of aforementioned applications Ser. Nos.08/407,903 and 08/085,352 are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to medical pressure transducers, and moreparticularly, to such transducers in which a disposable fluid pathcomponent such as a dome is selectively attachable to a reusable sensorcomponent with respective fluid pressure communicating diaphragms of thecomponents in confronting, pressure communicating relationship.

II. Description of Prior Art

In hospital environments, for example, many procedures involvemonitoring bodily fluid pressures such as blood pressure. Typically,such pressure is monitored with a medical pressure transducer outsidethe patient's body and coupled hydraulically to the patient'scirculatory system, by way of example, via a catheter introduced intothe body. The catheter is coupled via a tube to a fluid path inside thetransducer and the tube is filled with saline to hydraulicallycommunicate pressure within the patient's body to the transducer.

The transducer includes a sensor in pressure communication with thefluid path by which to convert the pressure therein to electricalsignals corresponding to the pressure. The electrical signals arecoupled via a cable to a monitor which provides a visual display of thepressure.

One particularly successful form of such a transducer is provided by atwo-component system in which one component with the expensive sensor isreusable, and the other component with the patient-contacting fluid pathis disposable. Each component is provided with a diaphragm closing offaccess to the sensor or the fluid path, respectively. To measurepressure in the fluid path, the disposable component is screwed onto thereusable component with the diaphragms in confronting, pressurecommunicating relationship to thereby communicate pressure from thefluid path to the sensor. After use, the disposable component isunscrewed from the reusable part and discarded, and replaced with a new,sterile unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,972, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference, shows an example of a two-component transducer in whichthe disposable fluid path component, referred to as a fluid dome, isrotatably coupled to the reusable sensor portion. The components aresecured together by threaded interaction to bring the diaphragms intoconfronting, pressure communication relationship. Pressure from thefluid path in the dome is thus communicated through the dome diaphragmand reusable diaphragm and through a cured gel to the sensor of thereusable component. The screwed-together components may then be mountedto an additional part such as a supporting plate which is attachable toa pole as is conventional.

While there has been success with such screw-on types of transducers,the exterior part and the extra manipulation of the support plate isdisadvantageous. Moreover, it has been desired to reduce themanipulation required to mount and dismount the dome from the sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a two-component type of system in whichthe extra part and manipulation of a supporting plate is eliminated bycombining the reusable sensor component as part of the supporting plate.To this end, and in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, the reusable component includes the support plate with asensor permanently associated with the support and the reusablediaphragm in pressure communication with the sensor.

The present invention further provides a disposable dome and reusablesensor system in which the dome is received into engagement with thesensor with less manipulation or dexterity than was required in priorsystems. To this end, and in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention, to facilitate attachment of the dome to the reusablecomponent, the dome is provided with a pair of edges disposed todifferent sides of the dome and the reusable component is provided witha pair of channel members to different sides of the reusable diaphragmand configured matingly to receive the dome edges such that thediaphragms are brought into confronting relationship by cooperation ofthe edges and channel members.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the channelmembers on the reusable component may be a pair of elongated slotsthrough which to receive the dome edges. In this regard, the dome edgesmay be pivotally mounted arms which releasably lock the dome to thesupport as they pass into and through the slots. Alternatively, thedomes edges may be a fixed L-shaped foot on one side of the dome and aflexible latching arm on the other which cooperate to releasably attachthe dome to the reusable component. In a preferred embodiment, thechannel members of the reusable component are channels defined behindrespective outer front walls, and the dome edges are defined by mountingwings extending outwardly, and preferably in a common plane, to oppositesides of the dome diaphragm to be slidably received into the channelsand behind the outer front walls of the reusable component to easily andquickly slide the dome diaphragm into confronting relationship with thereusable diaphragm with very little manipulation or dexterity requiredby the user. In either event, the reusable component may be formed asthe pole-mountable supporting plate thus eliminating that extra part andthe extra manipulation thereof otherwise required by the user.

Where the dome is slidably receivable into the reusable component, theconfronting, pressure-transmitting relationship of the diaphragms may beenhanced by camming structure associated with either the channel(s)and/or the wing(s) by which to drive the disposable diaphragm into thereusable diaphragm as the dome wings are slidably received into thechannels.

Provision of the camming structure allows the two diaphragms toinitially be slightly spaced apart, or loosely contacting, through atleast part of the travel of the dome into the reusable component. Inthis way, the diaphragms are not significantly damaged or chafed as theyslide by one another. Yet, the camming structure brings the diaphragmsinto abutting relationship, at least at the end of the travel of thecomponents, such that proper pressure communication is establishedtherebetween. The camming structure may be provided by one or morecamming ramps at the terminal end of the sliding travel of thecomponents. One such ramp may be formed as a step at the bottom end ofeach channel that is last contacted by the dome wing as it reaches theend of its travel. Another such ramp may be formed on each mounting wingat the top end that is last contacted by the outer front wall of thereusable component as the wing reaches the end of its travel.

In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, atab-receiving slot is formed in the reusable component and a locking tabis associated with the disposable dome (or vice versa), the tab and slotengaging together to lock the dome to the reusable component as the domewings are slidingly received into the channels. The slot isadvantageously formed into the outer front wall and the locking tab iselevated above the associated wing on the dome so as to fit into theslot when the diaphragms are in confronting relationship. As aconsequence, the dome and reusable components are reliably lockedtogether as if they had been screwed together but without the samedexterity of manipulation required.

In accordance with a still further feature of the present invention, apair of second wings is provided on the dome spaced above respectiveones of the mounting wings to define wall-receiving spaces for thechannel-defining outer front walls. Each mounting and second wing pairmay each be viewed as providing attachment structure in the form of achannel in the wall-receiving space, and each outer front wall of thereusable component may be viewed as wing-like attachment structure toslide into the wall-receiving channels of the dome. In the preferredembodiment, the second wings overlie and generally conceal the outerwalls that define the channels. As a consequence, the assembledtransducer does not have the appearance of being in two parts, butinstead appears as a solid unit. The overlying relationship between theouter walls and second wings may also provide protection againstcontaminants entering and fouling the channel.

The lateral side edges of the second wings are advantageously indentedand textured (such as by grooving, serrating or knurling) to providefinger-gripping portions by which the operator may manipulate the dometo slide it into and out of the channels. One of the indentations may besimulated with a similarly shaped and textured paddle to carry thelocking tab. As a consequence, gripping the second wings serves also tocompress the paddle thereby disengaging the tab from the slot andallowing sliding removal of the dome from the reusable component.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided a medical pressuretransducer which eliminates the added part and manipulation of aseparate support plate and further provides such a transducer in whichthe disposable fluid dome is easily mountable and removable from thereusable sensor component. In a preferred embodiment, there is anenhanced pressure transmitting relationship between the diaphragms andwith improvements to facilitate operator use of the transducer.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shallbecome apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detaileddescriptions thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a general description of the invention given above, andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a transducerof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the transducer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the reusable component of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, cross-sectional view taken along lines 5--5 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a rear, partially cut-away view of the disposable component ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A-7C are diagrammatic side views, taken along lines 7A--7A ofFIG. 2, to illustrate interaction of the dome wings and reusablecomponent channels;

FIG. 8 is an exploded diagrammatic view of a pole mount arrangement fora plurality of the transducers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front diagrammatic view of a plurality of the transducers ofFIG. 1 in pole-mounted position;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of atransducer in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the support plate of thetransducer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of a second alternativeembodiment of a transducer in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial, perspective view of a third alternative embodimentof a transducer in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 14 is a partial, perspective view of a fourth alternativeembodiment of a transducer in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a medicalpressure transducer 10 of the present invention. Transducer 10 includestwo major components, one being a reusable sensor component 100 of theinvention and the other being a disposable fluid dome component 200 ofthe invention, removably and slidably mounted to reusable component 100.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-5, reusable component 100 is apole-mountable supporting plate or housing with a reusable pressuresensor system built into it as will be described. To this end, component100 may be seen as having an opaque plastic support 102 in the form of aplate. Plate 102 has generally planar left edge 104, generally planarright edge 106, and generally planar top and bottom edges 108,110 todefine a generally rectangular shape to plate 102. Extending betweenedges 104,106,108,110 is a generally planar front face 112.

Extending from behind face 112 is an integral sensor chamber 114 (FIGS.4 and 5). Permanently attached within sensor chamber 114, such as byadhesive (not shown), is a plastic chimney 116 filled with cured gel 117at the bottom of which is an integrated circuit sensor chip 118 mountedto printed circuit (PC) board substrate 120 with a small vent hole (notshown) therethrough to vent chip 118. PC board 120 contains appropriatecircuitry thereon (not shown) and is affixed with chimney 116 to thuspermanently associate sensor 118 with reusable component 100. At theupper end of chamber 114 through face 112 is an aperture 122.Permanently mounted over aperture 122 is an elastomeric reusablediaphragm 124 such as of molded polyurethane. Additional gel 126 isinserted in liquid state into chamber 114 between diaphragm 124 andchimney 116 via fill port 128 to bring diaphragm 124 into pressurecommunication, via gels 126 and 117, with sensor 118. Port 128 is sealedsuch as by insertion of a tightly-fitting ball or screw or the like (notshown) to thus slightly distend diaphragm 124 and gel 126 is cured.

The edge 130 of diaphragm 124 defines a cylindrical collar that isfitted into annular groove 132 in face 112 about aperture 122 to holddiaphragm 124 to support 102 with the front face or surface 134 ofreusable diaphragm 124 exposed in, or bulging just slightly above, theplane of front face 112. A plurality of conductors 140 interconnectcalibration test switch 142 and connector 144 to PC board substrate 120circuitry and sensor 118, all behind face 112 of plate 102. Switch 142is fitted within open-bottom well 145 formed into face 112 with switchbutton 146 being accessible at aperture 148 through plate face 112 inthe lower left comer thereof as seen from the front (FIG. 3). Conductors140 could be separate wires or ribbon cable and/or conductive traces(not shown) on a switch-supporting PC board 149. Placed over aperture148 is a compliant, polycarbonate membrane 150 to protect switch 142 andto allow actuation thereof such as by gripping of reusable component 100between the thumb and forefinger (not shown) in the area of membrane 150and compressing same. Membrane 150 is adhesively held along itsperimeter to the edge of well 145 defined at aperture 148. Actuation ofswitch 142 provides a calibration test as generally described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,760,730, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference, but as a directly integral part of the reusable component,rather than as a separate component.

To electrically connect to a monitor (not shown), connector 144 isprovided at the bottom right of component 100 as seen from the front(FIGS. 2 and 3). Connector 144 may have a cylindrical plastic shell 152with female pin-receiving connectors 154 therein and housed in abulbously protruded area 156 of component 100. Connector 144 isaccessible through connector port 158 in bottom edge 110. Connector 144may form part of a two-connector set as shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,167,522. An opaque plastic back plate 157 may be secured, such as byadhesive (not shown), over the back side of plate 102 to enclose theabove-mentioned components, with a tongue T and groove G arrangement(see FIG. 4) between their connecting sides to thus define a completehousing. Alternatively, plate 157 may be press-fit to plate 102 byinteraction of the tongue T and groove G and pins P and bosses B shownin FIG. 4. Also, the housing defined by plate 102 and back 157 may bevented, such as via a small through-hole or path (not shown) formedtherein. A filter member (also not shown) may be included with thethrough-hole or path. Additionally, plate 157 is adapted to be mountableto a pole and thus includes structure to connect to a pole-mount as willbe discussed, thereby eliminating the extra part and manipulationrequired by the operator to mount the reusable sensor portion to thesupport plate.

To mount disposable dome component 200 to reusable sensor housing 100 aswill be described, plate 102 is provided with channel members which, inthe preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, are defined by a pair ofchannels 160,162 disposed to opposite left and right sides of reusablediaphragm 124 as seen from the front (FIG. 3). Each channel 160,162 isdefined behind a respective outer front wall 164,166 associated withplate 102. To this end, outer front walls 164,166 are generally parallelto, but spaced from, front face 112 and held thereto by interconnectingside walls 170,172, respectively, to thus define generally linear andparallel paths or channels 160,162 between front face 112 and theunderside 174,176 of each respective outer front wall 164,166. Thelateral extent of each channel 160,162 is further defined by side walls170,172, respectively.

The underside 174 or 176 of outer front wall 164 or 166 may be slightlyangled with a draft (such as for molding) as it progresses from near thetop edge 108 of plate 102 towards the bottom edge 110 thereof (FIG. 5).The draft narrows somewhat the width of the channel 160 or 162 in thedirection of insertion travel of the dome 200. For purposes describedhereinafter, camming structure is provided at the terminal or bottom end178 of the channels 160,162. The camming structure in the preferredembodiment shown is provided by camming ramp 180° comprised of a 45°ramp 182 and a trailing step 184 to define a generally precise channelwidth W_(c) thereat (see FIG. 7A). The top edge 186 of each wall 164,166is exposed. The bottom end 178 of each channel 160 or 162 may be closedoff (not shown) but is advantageously left open as shown so that debrisdoes not accumulate in the channels.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it may be seen that theouter surface 190 of right side channel outer front wall 166 includes adepression such as tab-receiving slot 192 formed therein (over side wall172). Slot 192 extends into alleyway 194 also formed in outer surface190 (over channel 162) which in turn ends adjacent chamfer 196 of outerfront wall 166 all for purposes to be described hereinafter. Outersurface 190 is otherwise generally planar and parallel to front face112. Outer surface 197 of left side, outer front wall 164 is similarlyplanar and parallel to front face 112. Although shown as a singlemember, support plate 102 could be made of more than one piece orelement joined together to provide the structural and functionalrelationship of the elements described above.

With particular further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, disposable dome 200is of clear or translucent plastic and may be seen as having a centralbody portion 202 defined between left and right edges 204,206 and topand bottom edges 208,210 to define a generally rectangular shape tocentral body portion 202. Formed centrally through the back of bodyportion 202 is a fluid path well 212 which communicates through an inletport 214 extending up out of the front of well 212 and accessible alongbottom edge 210 and outlet pipe 216 extending up out of the front ofwell 212 and beyond top edge 208. Inlet and outlet 214 and 216 cooperateto extend fluid path 212 through disposable dome 200. Fluid path 212 isaccessible through a large aperture 218 along the back side 220 ofcentral portion 202. Well 212 and aperture 218 are defined by acylindrical wall 221 in central portion 202 with cavities 222 definedbetween wall 221 and edges 204,206,208,210. Alternatively, cavities 222could be filled with plastic. Either way, back side 220 of dome 200functions to define a flat or plate-like surface to dome 200 to match upto planar face 112 of plate 102.

Extending across aperture 218 along bottom side 220 is an elastomericdiaphragm 224 permanently affixed to central portion 202 and providing apressure transmitting, fluid impervious wall to seal the fluid pathwithin dome 200. Diaphragm 224 could be a molded polyurethane, likediaphragm 124 with a collar (not shown) mounted within an annular recessor groove (also not shown) about aperture 218. Alternatively, diaphragm224 could be a sheet of urethane film material, the peripheral edge ofwhich is either adhesively or thermally bonded to the edge of aperture218, or is held into a groove (not shown) about aperture 218 such as bya compression ring (also not shown).

To mount dome 200 to reusable component 100, the dome is provided with apair of edges that mate with the channel members of the reusablecomponent. To this end, extending outwardly from opposite left and rightsides (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4) of central portion 202 (from edges204 and 206, respectively) and to either side of diaphragm 224 aregenerally linear and parallel left and right mounting wings 230,232situated to be matingly received within channels 160,162 of reusableplate 102 such as to place disposable diaphragm 224 into confrontingrelationship with reusable diaphragm 124. Bottom end 234 of each wing230,232 is chamfered as at 235 (see FIG. 7A) for purposes to bedescribed hereinafter. Bottom end 234 just above chamfer 235 has agenerally precise thickness or width, which in combination withdiaphragms 224 and 124, is closely equal to channel width W_(c), so asto hold the diaphragms in proper pressure communicating relationship.Further camming structure is defined at top or distal end 236 of eachwing. In the preferred embodiment shown, the further camming structureis provided by camming ramp 240 which, like the camming ramp 180 withinchannels 160 and 162, is comprised of a 45° ramp 242 and a trailing step244 to define a precise width W_(w) of wing 230 or 232 in the area oftrailing step 244. In this regard, the thickness or width of thechannels 160,162 at their openings near the top edge 108 of plate 102cooperate with diaphragms 224 and 124 to closely equal width W_(w) so asto, in addition or alternatively to the holding ability of bottom end234 and width W_(c), hold the diaphragms in proper pressurecommunicating relationship.

Camming ramp 180 and camming ramp 240 are situated on respective ones ofthe reusable component 100 and disposable dome 200 so as to engage theirrespective counterpart structures near the tailing end of the travel ofdome 200 as the wings 230,232 are slidably received into the channels160,162 of the reusable component 100. In this manner, as the dome 200travels generally linearly in a direction generally parallel to thereusable diaphragm 124 into reusable component 100, there may be aslight space (or just loose, sliding contact) between the diaphragms 124and 224 so as not to harmfully abrade at least diaphragm 124. As dome200 nears the end of its longitudinal travel into reusable component100, wings 230,232 are driven, in a somewhat axial direction, towardsface 112 and diaphragm 124 of plate 102 such that disposable diaphragm224 is driven into abutting relationship with reusable diaphragm 124 toprovide a proper pressure communicating relationship therebetween. Tolimit the extent of travel of dome 200 relative to plate 102, a closingwall 246 may be provided at distal or top end 236 of each wing 230,232which closing wall 246 will abut into top edge 186 of outer front walls164 or 166.

To facilitate use of dome 200 with reusable plate 102, a second set ofwings 250,252 may be provided. Wings 250,252 also extend from edges 204and 206 but spaced above respective ones of mounting wings 230,232 todefine wall-receiving spaces 254,256 (FIGS. 4 and 7). As is thusapparent, wing pairs 230,250 and 232,252 cause spaces 254,256 tofunction as attachment structure channels of the dome to receiverespective ones of outer walls 164 and 166 which function as wing-likeattachment structure of the reusable component as dome 200 is slidinglyreceived into reusable component 100. Second wings 250,252 extendgenerally outwardly so as to substantially overlie outer walls 164 and166 to provide the aesthetic appearance of a single unit when components200 and 100 are mounted together as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, wings250,252 may also provide a barrier to debris from entering channels160,162 when dome 200 is mounted to plate 102.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, lateral edges 260,262 of second wings 250,252,respectively, may be indented as at 264 and 265, respectively, toprovide finger and thumb gripping areas for the user (not shown) to gripdome 200 to mount and dismount same from reusable component 100.Finger-gripping portions 264, 265 may be textured (such as by grooving,serrating or knurling) to facilitate such manipulation by the user. Withparticular reference to FIG. 2, it may be seen that indentedfinger-gripping portion 265 of right side second wing 252 may actuallybe provided by resilient locking or flexing paddle 270 having anindented shape and a textured surface to simulate indented portion 264of left side second wing 250. Supported at a terminal end 272 of paddle270 is a locking tab 274 such that tab 274 defines a projectionresiliently attached to dome 200 and spaced above and depending towardswing 232. Locking paddle 270 extends from a hinging area 276 nearer tothe bottom end 278 of wing 252 such that by flexing action of lockingpaddle 270, locking tab 274 is movable towards central portion 202 nearto the top end 280 of wing 252.

As dome 200 is slidably received into reusable component 100, lockingtab 274 may bear against chamfer 196 (FIG. 3) of outer wall 166 tothereby flex paddle 270 leftwardly. As dome 200 moves further in itstravel, tab 274 passes onto alleyway 194 and then, at the end of thetravel of dome 200, snaps rightwardly back out into slot 192 (with aclicking sound) to lock dome 200 into position on plate 102 withdiaphragms 224 and 124 in confronting, pressure transmittingrelationship (FIG. 7C). To remove dome 200, the user (not shown) maygrip dome 200 with the thumb (not shown) in indented portion 264 and theforefinger (not shown) against locking paddle 270 compressing same sothat locking tab 274 comes away from tab-receiving slot 192, and thensliding upwardly towards the top edge 108 of plate 102 to withdraw dome200 therefrom.

Dome 200 may be provided with a fast-flush device 290 coupled to inletport 214 (such as the fast flush device shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,171,230) and a stopcock 292 coupled to outlet pipe 216. Flush device290 may then be connected by tubing 294 to a source of saline (notshown) and stopcock 292 may be connected by further tubing 296 to acatheter 298 (FIG. 2) to be placed within the patient's circulatorysystem (not shown) to thus monitor the pressure thereof as in the caseof sensor 102 in FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,271, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. While the use of two wingsand two channels is shown in the preferred embodiment, at least only oneof each may be employed. Also, the outer front walls may be coplanarwith front face 112 with appropriate adjustment in the elevation ofeither diaphragm 124 or mounting wings 230,232, by way of example.Further, while slot 192 is shown on support 102 and locking tab 274 ondome 200, they could be reversed.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C (in which channel 160 and its associatedwalls are removed for sake of clarity), there is shown diagrammaticallythe mounting of dome 200 to reusable component 100 in accordance withthe various aspects of the present invention. In FIG. 7A, dome 200 isjust about to be mounted to plate 102 with wing 232 just beginning toenter channel 162 in a direction along the downwardly-directed arrow A.Thus, dome wing 232 is coming into channel 162 from the direction of topedge 108 of plate 102. Top end 186 of outer front wall 166 may beimpacted by chamfered wall 235 at the proximal end of wing 232 to helpforce wing 232 into the space or channel 162 defined behind outer frontwall 166. In FIG. 7A, second wing 252 is spaced above and away from topsurface 190 of front wall 166.

As dome 200 is continued in its downward progression towards bottom wall110, as in FIG. 7B, most of the length of wing 232 passes into channel162 and wing 252 passes over front 190 of front wall 166. In thisprogression of travel, it may be seen that there may be a slight spaceor at least a loose or sliding contact (indicated by the letter S)between diaphragms 224 and 124 so as to avoid damaging or chafing thediaphragms, and especially diaphragm 124 which is intended to bereusable with several of domes 200. Near the end of the travel, chamfer235 hits against ramp 182 of camming ramp 180 to start to drive theproximal end of wing 232 towards face 112 and diaphragm 124. At aboutthe same time, camming ramp 242 impacts against top edge 186 to alsodrive the distal end of wing 232 towards face 112 and diaphragm 124 inwhich event the spacing S between diaphragms 224 and 124 begins todecrease (or the loose contact begins to tighten up). Also, tab 274impinges wall chamfer 196 (FIG. 3) and flexes paddle 270 inwardly so asto allow tab 274 to travel into alleyway 194.

In the end of the travel of dome 200 into reusable component 100 in FIG.7C, the proximal end of wing 232 is situated below and against trailingend 184 and the top end 186 of outer wall 166 is situated above andagainst trailing end 244 of wing camming ramp 240 such that wing 232 hasbeen driven towards plate face 112 and diaphragms 224 and 124 have beendriven into abutting relationship to provide the desired pressurecommunicating relationship therebetween. Also, in this terminal end ofthe travel, second wing 252 is positioned so as to substantiallycompletely overlie top surface 190 of front wall 166, and paddle 270 hasgone back towards its original position with tab 274 locked into slot192. The same arrangement of travel as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C occurssimultaneously between wing 230 and channel 160.

In use, dome 200 is slidably mounted to reusable component 100 as abovedescribed and appropriate tubing 294,296 and catheter 298 are employedto couple fluid path 212 of transducer 10 to a patient and connector 144utilized to couple signals representing the patient's blood pressure,for example, with a monitor in an otherwise conventional manner such asFIG. 7 of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No, 5,221,271. After the use forthat patient is completed, or should dome 200 need to be replaced forany reason, dome 200 may be simply removed by depressing locking paddle270 and sliding dome 200 out of channels 160,162 of reusable component100 and the dome 200 disposed of (with or without tubing). Either newtubing may be provided, or the old tubing used, with a new dome 200 asappropriate, depending upon the patient's situation, and new dome 200slidably remounted to reusable component 100 as previously described. Inmany situations, it may be desirable to monitor more than one pressure.In this event, multiple transducers 10 may be utilized as will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8.

Back plate 157 of each reusable component may be provided with amounting structure 300 to mount component 100 to an intravenous pole orother support. To this end, structure 300 is mounted to a support frame302 which, in turn, is mounted to a pole-mount clamp 304 secured to apole 306. The mounting frame 302 includes a plurality of receptacles 308to receive the respective support structure 300 of a plurality ofreusable components 100 which are then locked in place by actuation ofthe locking handle 310 on frame 302. Frame 302 also includes anidentical mounting structure 300 receivable in an identical receptacle308 and held thereto by actuation of handle 310 on the proximal end 312of pole mount clamp 304. Clamp 304 is held to pole 306 in conventionalmanner such as by interaction of yoke 314 and screw 316 about pole 306.Alternatively, one reusable component 100 may be mounted directly to thepole mount clamp 304 and frame 302 dispensed with. Furtheralternatively, or additionally, each plate 102 could be provided asmodular interconnecting plates as shown in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.5,417,395.

Due to the rectangular nature of plate 102, it may be seen that when aplurality of reusable components are mounted as above-described (seeFIG. 9), they give the appearance of being a solid set of units, more orless, and may thus be considered as being modular in that any one of thereusable components 100 may be placed in any one of the positionsdefined by receptacles 308 available on frame 302. Domes 200 may bemounted to their respective reusable components 100 either before orafter the related component 100 is connected to frame 302. In any event,it may be seen that transducer 10 includes as part of the reusablecomponent, structure by which to be mountable to a pole without the needfor an additional support plate as was typical of the prior art.

With reference to FIGS. 10-14, and in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, alternative constructions of two-componentdisposable dome and combined reusable sensor/support plate transducersare shown. To this end, a first alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS.10 and 11 in which transducer 400 includes rigid mounting plate 401having a generally planer front face 402. Extending along the length ofright side edge 404 of plate 400 is a rib 406 receivable in slot 408along the left side edge 410 of another identical transducer 400 ormounting plate 401 and locked thereto by action of pivoting arms 412pivotally mounted to plate 401 all as described in previously mentionedapplication Ser. No. 08/407,903 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,395, thedisclosures of both of which have been incorporated herein by reference.Also, extending from the back side of plate 401 is shelf 413 by whichplate 401 is mountable to the intravenous pole 306 (see FIG. 8) or otherexternal structure by way of well known clamping mechanisms (such aspole-clamping mechanism 85 in the aforesaid application and patent).Alternatively, shelf 413 could be replaced with mounting structure 300to be pole-mountable as described above.

Rigid plate 401 has an aperture 414 formed therethrough with reusablediaphragm 416 affixed to plate face 402 across aperture 414. Atransducer sensor 418 (FIG. 11) is secured to plate 401 behind aperture414 and placed into pressure communication with diaphragm 416, such asvia a gel-filled recess, to fully perform the function of a reusabletransducer component. Wires 420 extend from sensor 418 to be coupled toa monitor (not shown). Sensor 418 may alternatively have electricalconnectors extending therefrom for releasable attachment to a cablecoupled to the monitor. The construction of sensor 418 and diaphragm 416and the reusable transducer portions may be as described above inconnection with FIGS. 1-9 and/or as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,920,972, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,and previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,395.

To use sensor 418, reusable diaphragm 416 is to be placed intoconfronting engagement with the diaphragm 422 of a disposable fluid dome424 (diaphragm 422 is secured to dome 424 but is shown separatedtherefrom in FIG. 10 for explanatory purposes). Fluid dome 424 includesan inlet 26 and an outlet 28 in fluid communication with a pathextending through dome 424 and sealed off by diaphragm 422 as in thecase of dome 200 above-described.

To releasably hold dome 424 to reusable mounting plate 401, attachmentstructure is provided on both plate 401 and dome 424. The attachmentstructure of plate 401 is provided by channel members defined as a pairof slots 430 parallel to right and left side edges 404 and 410 of rigidplate 401 and extending through face 402 on opposite sides of aperture414 and diaphragm 416. Slots 430 are sized and positioned to receivelocking arms 434 pivotally connected by pivot members 436 to fluid dome424. Arms 434 have inwardly facing hooks 438 thereon. As locking arms434 are inserted in and through slots 430, hooks 438 ride over inneredges 440 of slots 430, and when disposable dome diaphragm 422 is inconfronting, pressure communicating engagement with the reusable portiondiaphragm 416, hooks 438 emerge through rigid plate 401 and locking arms434 resume their undeformed shape thereby securely locking disposabledome 424 to mounting plate 401.

To remove disposable dome 424, proximal ends 442 of locking arms 434 areinwardly depressed to pivot the distal ends 438 outwardly, therebydisengaging hooks 438 from the slot inner edges 440 whereby dome 424 maybe pulled free of the mounting plate 400.

In a second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, locking arms 434could be extended as at 434' to substantially lengthen slots 430. Forthis purpose, pivot members 436 are replaced with connecting plate 436',although use of dome 424 in FIG. 12 is the same as in FIGS. 10 and 11.Still further alternatively, a "ski-boot" foot and latching armstructure may be used as shown in FIG. 13. To this end, plate 401 andreusable portion diaphragm 416 continue to remain unchanged from thatdescribed above. However, the locking structure of disposable fluid dome424 is replaced with an outwardly facing L-shaped foot 450 connected toone side of connecting plate 436' and extending forwardly therefrom, andan extended length latch member arm 434" on the other side of theconnecting plate 436', which is the same as that described above for arm434' but with a lever arm 452 attached thereto for a purpose to bedescribed.

To secure fluid dome 424 to mounting plate 401 in the embodiment of FIG.13, dome 424 is pivoted onto its side so that the free end 454 of foot450 may be inserted into one of slots 430. Fluid dome 424 is thenpivoted towards plate face 402 until latching member 434" locks into theother slot 430 thereby placing the respective diaphragms in confrontingpressure communicating engagement. To remove the disposable fluid dome424 of FIG. 13, lever arm 452 is lifted to disengage latching arm 434"from mounting plate 401 and fluid dome 424 is pivoted, whereby foot 450may be removed from slot 430 and fluid dome 424 lifted from mountingplate 401. Although the locking structure of fluid dome 424 in FIGS. 12and 13 is shown with connecting plate 436' extending from the front offluid dome 424, it will be readily appreciated that the connecting plate436' could be formed along the side or from the rear of the fluid dome.

With reference to FIG. 14, another embodiment of the transducer 400 ofFIG. 10 is shown utilizing the simplified wing/channel arrangement ofthe transducer 10 of FIG. 1. To this end, the channel members aredefined in plate 401 by L-shaped walls 460 extending along slots 430 andan outer front wall 462 attached to each wall 460 to define a receptacleor channel 464 therebehind and communicating to each slot 430. The fluiddome 424 is modified such that the edges define wings 470 extendingoutwardly of dome 424 and in the same plane to be slidingly receivedinto the receptacles 464 to thus hold the respective diaphragms intoconfronting engagement. Wings 470 may be part of a plate 472 formedalong the bottom or back side of dome 424. Use of transducer 400 of FIG.14 is like that of transducer 10 of FIG. 1.

By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided a medical pressuretransducer in which the reusable portion and support plate are combinedto eliminate a part and its extra manipulation. Further, such atransducer is provided in which the dome and reusable component easilyand simply mate together, such as by relative sliding action in apreferred embodiment. Features are provided to enhance the pressuretransmitting relationship between the diaphragms and to facilitateoperator use of the transducer. The invention in its broader aspects isnot, however, limited to the specific details, representative apparatusand methods and illustrative examples shown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical pressure transducer comprising:adisposable dome having a fluid path adapted to be coupled to a patient,a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluid path, and at least one edgedisposed to one side of the dome diaphragm; and a reusable componenthaving a support, a pressure sensor permanently associated with thesupport, a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication with the sensor,and at least one channel member disposed to one side of the reusablediaphragm and slidably receiving the dome edge along a generally linearpath which is generally parallel with the reusable diaphragm such thatthe dome diaphragm is brought into confronting relationship with thereusable diaphragm on mating reception of the edge into the channelmember by sliding the dome edge in a direction which is generally linearand generally parallel to the reusable diaphragm.
 2. The transducer ofclaim 1, the at least one channel member defining a channel and the domeedge defining a mounting wing extending to the one side of the domediaphragm, the wing and channel being configured to be slidably receivedtogether so as to slide the dome diaphragm into confronting relationshipwith the reusable diaphragm.
 3. The transducer of claim 2 furthercomprising camming structure associated with at least one of the channeland the dome wing by which to drive the dome diaphragm into the reusablediaphragm as the dome wing is slidingly received into the channel. 4.The transducer of claim 3 wherein the camming structure is associatedwith the channel.
 5. The transducer of claim 4 further comprising secondcamming structure associated with the wing.
 6. The transducer of claim 4wherein the camming structure is defined at a bottom end of the channel.7. The transducer of claim 3 wherein the camming structure is associatedwith the wing.
 8. The transducer of claim 7 wherein the cammingstructure is defined at a top end of the wing.
 9. The transducer ofclaim 3 wherein the camming structure includes a step.
 10. Thetransducer of claim 9 wherein the camming structure includes a ramp. 11.The transducer of claim 3 wherein the camming structure includes a ramp.12. The transducer of claim 3 further comprising a depression and aprojection each associated with a respective one of the support and thedome, the depression and the projection being relatively positioned suchthat the depression receives the projection as the wing is slidablyreceived into the channel to lock the dome diaphragm into confrontingrelationship with the reusable diaphragm.
 13. The transducer of claim 12further comprising at least one outer front wall with the channeldefined therebehind, and a second wing spaced above the mounting wing todefine a wall-receiving space for the outer front wall.
 14. Thetransducer of claim 2 further comprising a tab resiliently attached tothe dome.
 15. The transducer of claim 2 further comprising a depressionand a projection each associated with a respective one of the supportand the dome, the depression and the projection being relativelypositioned such that the depression receives the projection as the wingis slidably received into the channel to lock the dome diaphragm intoconfronting relationship with the reusable diaphragm.
 16. The transducerof claim 15 the depression being a tab-receiving slot associated withthe support and the projection being a locking tab associated with thedome.
 17. The transducer of claim 16 further comprising at least oneouter front wall with the channel defined therebehind, the tab-receivingslot being defined in the outer front wall.
 18. The transducer of claim16 further comprising a locking paddle associated with the dome, thelocking tab being supported by the locking paddle.
 19. The transducer ofclaim 15 further comprising at least one outer front wall of thereusable component with the channel defined therebehind, and a secondwing on the dome spaced above the mounting wing to define awall-receiving space for the outer front wall.
 20. The transducer ofclaim 2 further comprising at least one outer front wall of the reusablecomponent with the channel defined therebehind, and a second wing on thedome spaced above the mounting wing to define a wall-receiving space forthe outer front wall.
 21. The transducer of claim 20 further comprisinga tab associated with the second wing and receivable in a tab-receivingslot defined in the reusable component.
 22. The transducer of claim 21,the tab-receiving slot being defined in the outer front wall.
 23. Thetransducer of claim 21 further comprising a flexing paddle associatedwith the dome, the tab being supported by the flexing paddle.
 24. Thetransducer of claim 20 further comprising a finger gripping portiondefined in the second wing.
 25. The transducer of claim 24 furthercomprising a flexing paddle associated with the dome.
 26. The transducerof claim 25 further comprising a tab associated with the flexing paddleand received in a tab-receiving slot defined in the reusable component.27. The transducer of claim 25, the finger gripping portion beingdefined by the flexing paddle.
 28. The transducer of claim 20 whereinthe second wing extends parallel to the mounting wing.
 29. Thetransducer of claim 2 wherein the reusable component includes two suchchannels and the disposable dome includes two such mounting wings. 30.The transducer of claim 29 wherein the channels are disposed to oppositesides of the reusable diaphragm and the wings are disposed to oppositesides of the dome diaphragm.
 31. The transducer of claim 2 furthercomprising a calibration test switch associated with the support andelectrically connected to the sensor.
 32. The transducer of claim 2wherein the support includes peripheral side edges that define agenerally rectangular shape and a front face whereat the reusablediaphragm is exposed.
 33. The transducer of claim 1 further comprising acalibration test switch associated with the support and electricallyconnected to the sensor.
 34. The transducer of claim 1 wherein thesupport includes peripheral side edges that define a generallyrectangular shape and a front face whereat the reusable diaphragm isexposed.
 35. The transducer of claim 1 further comprising integralsupport structure for mating the reusable component to an externalsupport.
 36. A medical pressure transducer comprising a reusablecomponent for use with a disposable dome having a fluid path adapted tobe coupled to a patient, a dome diaphragm coupled to said fluid path,and at least one edge disposed to one side of said dome diaphragm, thereusable component comprising:a support; a pressure sensor permanentlyassociated with the support; a reusable diaphragm in pressurecommunication with the sensor; and at least one channel member disposedto one side of the reusable diaphragm and being configured to slidablyreceive said dome edge along a generally linear path which is generallyparallel to the reusable diaphragm such that said dome diaphragm isbrought into confronting relationship with the reusable diaphragm onmating reception of said edge into the channel member by sliding saiddome edge in a direction which is generally linear and generallyparallel to the reusable diaphragm.
 37. The transducer of claim 36wherein said dome edge defines a mounting wing extending to said oneside of said dome diaphragm, the at least one channel member defining achannel configured to slidably receive said dome wing so as to slidesaid dome diaphragm into confronting relationship with the reusablediaphragm.
 38. The transducer of claim 37 further comprising cammingstructure associated with the channel by which to drive said domediaphragm into the reusable diaphragm as said dome wing is slidinglyreceived into the channel.
 39. The transducer of claim 38 wherein thecamming structure is defined at a bottom end of the channel.
 40. Thetransducer of claim 38 wherein the camming structure includes a step.41. The transducer of claim 40 wherein the camming structure includes aramp.
 42. The transducer of claim 38 wherein the camming structureincludes a ramp.
 43. The transducer of claim 38 further comprising oneof a depression and a projection associated with the support andpositioned to receive a projection or be received in a depression,respectively, of said dome as said dome wing is slidably received intothe channel to lock said dome diaphragm into confronting relationshipwith the reusable diaphragm.
 44. The transducer of claim 37 furthercomprising one of a depression and a projection associated with thesupport and positioned to receive a projection or be received in adepression, respectively, of said dome as said dome wing is slidablyreceived into the channel to lock said dome diaphragm into confrontingrelationship with the reusable diaphragm.
 45. The transducer of claim 37further comprising a tab-receiving slot associated with the support andpositioned to receive a locking tab of said dome as said dome wing isslidably received into the channel to lock said dome diaphragm intoconfronting relationship with the reusable diaphragm.
 46. The transducerof claim 45 further comprising at least one outer front wall with thechannel defined therebehind, the tab-receiving slot being defined in theouter front wall.
 47. The transducer of claim 37 wherein the reusablecomponent includes two such channels disposed to opposite sides of thereusable diaphragm.
 48. The transducer of claim 37 further comprising acalibration test switch associated with the support and electricallyconnected to the sensor.
 49. The transducer of claim 37 wherein thesupport includes peripheral side edges that define a generallyrectangular shape and a front face whereat the reusable diaphragm isexposed.
 50. The transducer of claim 36 further comprising a calibrationtest switch associated with the support and electrically connected tothe sensor.
 51. The transducer of claim 36 wherein the support includesperipheral side edges that define a generally rectangular shape and afront face whereat the reusable diaphragm is exposed.
 52. The transducerof claim 36 further comprising integral support structure for mating thereusable component to an external support.
 53. A medical pressuretransducer comprising a disposable dome for use with a reusablecomponent having a support, a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith said support, a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withsaid sensor and at least one channel member disposed to one side of saidreusable diaphragm, the disposable dome comprising:a body having anaperture defining a plane; a fluid path adapted to be coupled to apatient, the fluid path extending into the body and communicating withthe aperture; a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluid path and extendingacross and sealing the aperture; and at least one generally linear edgedisposed to one side of the dome diaphragm and extending generally inthe plane defined by the aperture, the one edge configured to beslidably received into said reusable component channel member along agenerally linear path which is generally parallel with said reusablediaphragm such that the dome diaphragm is brought into confrontingrelationship with said reusable diaphragm on mating reception of the oneedge into said channel member by sliding the one edge in a directionwhich is generally linear and generally parallel to said reusablediaphragm.
 54. The transducer of claim 53 wherein said channel memberdefines a channel, the dome edge defining a mounting wing extending tothe one side of the dome diaphragm to be slidably received into said atleast one channel so as to slide the dome diaphragm into confrontingrelationship with said reusable diaphragm.
 55. The transducer of claim54 further comrpising a tab resiliently attached to the dome.
 56. Thetransducer of claim 54 further comprising one of a depression and aprojection associated with the dome and positioned to receive aprojection or be received in a depression of said reusable component asthe dome wing is slidably received into said channel to lock the domediaphragm into confronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm.57. The transducer of claim 54 wherein the disposable dome includes twosuch mounting wings disposed to opposite sides of the dome diaphragm.58. A medical pressure transducer comprising a disposable dome for usewith a reusable component having a support, a pressure sensorpermanently associated with said support, a reusable diaphragm inpressure communication with said sensor and at least one channel memberdefining a channel disposed to one side of said reusable diaphragm, thedisposable dome comprising:a fluid path adapted to be coupled to apatient; a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluid path; at least onegenerally linear edge disposed to one side of the dome diaphragm, theone edge defining a mounting wing extending to one side of the domediaphragm and configured to be slidably received into said reusablecomponent channel along a generally linear path which is generallyparallel with said reusable diaphragm such that the dome diaphragm isbrought into confronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm onmating reception of the mounting wing into said channel member bysliding the mounting wing in a direction which is generally linear andgenerally parallel to said reusable diaphragm; and camming structureassociated with the dome wing by which to drive the dome diaphragm intosaid reusable diaphragm as the dome wing is slidably received into saidchannel.
 59. The transducer of claim 58 wherein the camming structure isdefined at a top end of the wing.
 60. The transducer of claim 58 whereinthe camming structure includes a step.
 61. The transducer of claim 60wherein the camming structure includes a ramp.
 62. The transducer ofclaim 58 wherein the camming structure includes a ramp.
 63. Thetransducer of claim 58 further comprising one of a depression and aprojection associated with the dome and positioned to receive aprojection or be received in a depression of said reusable component asthe dome wing is slidably received into said channel to lock the domediaphragm into confronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm.64. The transducer of claim 63 wherein said channel is defined behind anouter front wall of said reusable component, the transducer furthercomprising a second wing spaced above the mounting wing to define awall-receiving space for said outer front wall.
 65. A medical pressuretransducer comprising a disposable dome for use with a reusablecomponent having a support, a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith said support, a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withsaid sensor and at least one channel member defining a channel disposedto one side of said reusable diaphragm, the disposable dome comprising:afluid path adapted to be coupled to a patient; a dome diaphragm coupledto the fluid path; at least one generally linear edge disposed to oneside of the dome diaphragm, the one edge defining a mounting wingextending to one side of the dome diaphragm and configured to beslidably received into said reusable component channel along a generallylinear path which is generally parallel with said reusable diaphragmsuch that the dome diaphragm is brought into confronting relationshipwith said reusable diaphragm on mating reception of the mounting winginto said channel member by sliding the mounting wing in a directionwhich is generally linear and generally parallel to said reusablediaphragm; and a locking tab associated with the dome and positioned tobe received in a tab-receiving slot of said reusable component as thedome wing is slidably received into said channel to lock the domediaphragm into confronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm.66. The transducer of claim 65 wherein said channel is defined behind anouter front wall of said reusable component, the transducer furthercomprising a second wing spaced above the mounting wing to define awall-receiving space for said outer front wall.
 67. The transducer ofclaim 65 further comprising a locking paddle associated with the dome,the locking tab being supported by the locking paddle.
 68. Thetransducer of claim 67 wherein the locking tab is supported at aterminal end of the locking paddle.
 69. A medical pressure transducercomprising a disposable dome for use with a reusable component having asupport, a pressure sensor permanently associated with said support, areusable diaphragm in pressure communication with said sensor and atleast one channel member defining a channel disposed to one side of saidreusable diaphragm, wherein said channel is defined behind an outerfront wall of said reusable component, the disposable dome comprising:afluid path adapted to be coupled to a patient; a dome diaphragm coupledto the fluid path; at least one generally linear edge disposed to oneside of the dome diaphragm, the one edge defining a mounting wingextending to one side of the dome diaphragm and configured to beslidably received into said reusable component channel along a generallylinear path which is generally parallel with said reusable componentchannel along a generally linear path which confronting relationshipwith said reusable diaphragm on mating reception of the mounting winginto said channel member by sliding the mounting wing in a directionwhich is generally linear and generally parallel to said reusablediaphragm; and a second wing spaced above the mounting wing to define awall-receiving space for said outer front wall.
 70. The transducer ofclaim 69 further comprising a tab associated with the second wing andreceivable in a tab-receiving slot defined in the reusable component.71. The transducer of claim 70 further comprising a flexing paddleassociated with the dome, the tab being supported by the flexing paddle.72. The transducer of claim 71 wherein the tab is supported at aterminal end of the flexing paddle.
 73. The transducer of claim 69further comprising a finger gripping portion defined in the second wing.74. The transducer of claim 73 further comprising a flexing paddleassociated with the dome.
 75. The transducer of claim 74 furthercomprising a tab associated with the flexing paddle and receivable in atab-receiving slot of said reusable component.
 76. The transducer ofclaim 75 wherein the tab is supported at a terminal end of the flexingpaddle.
 77. The transducer of claim 75, the finger gripping portionbeing defined by the flexing paddle.
 78. The transducer of claim 69wherein the second wing extends parallel to the mounting wing.
 79. Areusable medical pressure transducer component for use with a disposablemedical pressure transducer dome having a disposable diaphragm forpressure communication and a pair of edges disposed to different sidesof the dome, the reusable medical pressure transducer componentcomprising:a support; a sensor permanently associated with the support;a reusable diaphragm is pressure communication with the sensor; and apair of channel members associated with the support and being configuredto slidably receive respective ones of said pair of edges of the domealong a generally linear path which is generally parallel to thereusable diaphragm, the reusable diaphragm being disposed between thepair of channel members such that the channel members bring saiddisposable diaphragm into confronting pressure transmitting relationshipwith the reusable diaphragm on mating reception of said respective onesof said pair of edges into the channel members by sliding said pair ofedges in a direction which is generally linear and generally parallel tothe reusable diaphragm.
 80. The component of claim 79 further comprisingouter front walls, the channel members being defined therebehind. 81.The component of claim 79 in combination with the disposable dome andwherein the channel members define confronting channels, the edges ofthe disposable dome being defined by a pair of wings extending fromopposing sides of the dome for sliding engagement with the confrontingchannels for slidably placing the disposable diaphragm in pressurecommunication with the reusable diaphragm.
 82. The component of claim 79further comprising support structure for mounting the component to anexternal support.
 83. A disposable medical pressure transducer dome foruse with a reusable component having a support, a pressure sensorpermanently associated with said support, a reusable diaphragm inpressure communication with said sensor, and a pair of channels disposedto opposite sides of said reusable diaphragm, said dome comprising:abody having an aperture defining a plane; a fluid path adapted to becoupled to a patient, the fluid path extending into the body andcommunication with the aperture; a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluidpath and extending across and sealing the aperture; and a pair ofgenerally linear wings extending outwardly to opposite sides of the domediaphragm and generally in the plane defined by the aperture, the wingsbeing configured to be slidably received in respective ones of saidreusable component channels along a generally linear path which isgenerally parallel with said reusable diaphragm such that the domediaphragm is slidably received into confronting relationship with saidreusable diaphragm by sliding the wings in a direction which isgenerally linear and generally parallel to said reusable diaphragm. 84.The dome of claim 83, the wings extending generally in a plane.
 85. Thedome of claim 83 further comprising a plate supporting the domediaphragm, the plate defining the pair of wings.
 86. A medical pressuretransducer comprising a disposable dome for use with a reusablecomponent having a support, a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith the support, a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withthe sensor and attachment structure, the disposable dome comprising:abody having an aperture defining a plane; a fluid path adapted to becoupled to a patient, the fluid path extending into the body andcommunication with the aperture; a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluidpath and extending across and sealing the aperture; and dome attachmentstructure including at least first and second parallel wings associatewith the dome, the at least first wing extending generally in the planedefined by the aperture, the dome attachment structure being configuredto be slidably received into said reusable component attachmentstructure along a generally linear path which is generally parallel withsaid reusable diaphragm such that the dome diaphragm is slidablyreceived into confronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm uponmounting the dome to said reusable component by sliding the at leastfirst wing in a direction which is generally linear and generallyparallel to said reusable diaphragm.
 87. A medical pressure transducercomprising a reusable component for use with a disposable dome having afluid path adapted to be coupled to a patient and a dome diaphragmcoupled to said fluid path, the reusable component comprising:a supportadapted to mate with said dome; a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith the support; a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withthe sensor, the support adapted to receive said dome so as to bring saiddome diaphragm into confronting relationship with the reusable diaphragmwhen said dome is slid into the support in a generally linear directionwhich is generally parallel to the reusable diaphragm; and a mountadapted to attach the support to a pole-clamp.
 88. The transducer ofclaim 87, the means for attaching being a shelf extending generallyperpendicular relative to a face of the support.
 89. A medical pressuretransducer comprising:disposable dome having a fluid path adapted to becoupled to a patient, a dome diaphragm coupled to the fluid path, and afirst coupling element disposed to one side of the dome diaphragm; and areusable component having a support, a pressure sensor permanentlyassociated with the support, a reusable diaphragm in pressurecommunication with the sensor, and a second coupling element disposed toone side of the reusable diaphragm and providing a generally linear pathwhich is generally parallel with the reusable diaphragm, the secondcoupling element receiving the first coupling element along the path,such that the dome diaphragm is brought into confronting relationshipwith the reusable diaphragm by sliding the first and second couplingelements into mating relationship along the generally linear path.
 90. Amedical pressure transducer comprising reusable component for use with adisposable dome having a fluid that adapted to be coupled to a patient,a dome diaphragm coupled to said fluid path, and a first couplingelement disposed to one side of said dome diaphragm, the reusablecomponent comprising:a support; a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith the support; a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withthe sensor; and a second coupling element disposed to one side of thereusable diaphragm and providing a generally linear path which isgenerally parallel with the reusable diaphragm to receive said firstcoupling element, such that said dome diaphragm is brought intoconfronting relationship with the reusable diaphragm by sliding thefirst and second coupling elements into mating relationship along thegenerally linear path.
 91. A medical pressure transducer comprising adisposable dome for use with a reusable component having a support, apressure sensor permanently associated with said support, a reusablediaphragm in pressure communication with said sensor and first couplingelement disposed to one side of said reusable diaphragm, the disposabledome comprising:a body having an aperture defining a plane; a fluid pathadapted to be coupled to a patient, the fluid path extending into thebody and communicating with the aperture; a dome diaphragm coupled tothe fluid path and extending across and sealing the aperture; and agenerally linear coupling element disposed to one side of the domediaphragm and extending generally in the plane defined by the aperture,the generally linear coupling element being shaped to slide along agenerally linear path which is generally parallel with said reusablediaphragm into a coupled relationship with said first coupling elementsuch that the dome diaphragm is brought into confronting relationshipwith said reusable diaphragm upon the coupling elements being matinglyengaged in the coupled relationship by sliding the generally linearcoupling element into the first coupling element in a direction which isgenerally linear and generally parallel to said reusable diaphragm. 92.A disposable medical pressure transducer dome for use with a reusablecomponent having a support, a pressure sensor permanently associatedwith said support, a reusable diaphragm in pressure communication withsaid sensor, and a channel disposed adjacent said reusable diaphragm,said dome comprising:A body having a plate-like backside to define abackside plane, the body having an aperture extendending therethrough; Afluid path carried by the body and communicating with the aperture, thefluid path adapted to be coupled to a patient; a dome diaphragmextending across the aperture; and the plate-like backside of the bodyhaving a wing extending outwardly from the body substantially in thebackside plane, the wing being configured to be slidably received intosaid channel along a generally linear path which is generally parallelwith said reusable diaphragm such that the dome diaphragm is moved intoconfronting relationship with said reusable diaphragm by sliding thewing in a direction which is generally linear and generally parallel tosaid reusable diaphragm.